Education
Our youth are the most important aspect of our future. I have shown a commitment to our children in various ways.
For several years I have hosted a back to school drive to make sure hundreds of students in the 78th district have the proper supplies they need to be prepared for the school year. The last year we hosted one we reached 100 children at Cochran Family Center, 100 children at ARJ Community in addition to reaching hundreds more across the district. You can see more detail about the drives here: Committeeman Murray Host Back 2 School Drive.
Every school year I motivate youth to excel academically and hire tutors to supplement knowledge gaps. When I noticed a gap in the computer science curriculum in SLPS I founded the Roy L Clay Computer Lab.
Additionally, I have consistently pushed to get the governance back into the hands of our elected school board. As a legislator no one will fight harder to ensure our public schools are fully funded. I will also work to ensure charter schools are responsible and held to the same academic standards as public schools.
Healthcare
I have spent nearly a decade as a healthcare professional. I will take all those years of experience to Jefferson City with me. I have run outcome based clinical programs all across this nation; most significant was a program to reduce the times patients are admitted into the Emergency Room. More recently I worked on a program that reduces the 3 month cost of insulin to $25 for millions of diabetes patients.
The expansion of Medicaid will be a top priority for me as State Representative. Access to healthcare is a human right in our society. Making sure more medical conditions are covered and widening the net for those who qualify in this state is important. I will be able to speak to the topic in-depth and intelligently.
The state passing one of the most strict abortion bans is cruel. I will work to ensure women have access to reproductive health without the state having control of when, where, and how they would like to or not to have children. Additionally, I will sponsor legislation that provides intersex individuals with access to comprehensive healthcare that is respectful and affirming of their needs.
Pro- Democracy
There is an all out assault on Democracy. There is an effort to alter our citizen’s ability to directly create the change they want to see. Whether that is expanding Medicaid, creating campaign finance reform or reversing Missouri’s cruel abortion ban the petition process is essential.
The initiative petition has been in the Missouri Constitution for more than 100 years. Some politicians and special interest groups do not like citizens having the power to challenge their actions.The initiative petition process has given Missouri citizens the power to reform government, limit political overreach, and protect Missourians through non-partisan ballot measures.
As a State Representative I will fight to protect that right.
I embrace love in all its forms! As an LGBTQIA+ supporter, I stand tall with the community, celebrating diversity, equality, and acceptance. I will work to implement policies in schools that protect LGBTQ+ students from bullying and harassment based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. It is a must that we strengthening laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in various areas, including employment, housing, public accommodations, and education.
Everyone deserves to love freely and live authentically, without fear or discrimination. Let’s spread kindness, understanding, and respect, creating a world where love knows no bounds.
Community
I have been raised to be a man of character and hold firm to my commitments. The most important responsibility a legislator has to his/her constituents is to be accountable.
I intend to engage with the district via town hall meetings, sending frequent legislative reports, ice cream socials and showing up to neighborhood meetings (Lafayette Square, McKinley Heights, St. Louis Place, Old North, Lasalle Park, Tower Grove East, Downtown, Benton Park West, Gravois Park, etc) and making it easy for residents to reach my office.
Additionally, listening tours will be vital for me leading up to the point that I am sworn in. I will use them as an opportunity for residents to submit policy suggestion. Not only will I update everyone to the weekly changes; I will make it easier for residents to support/ oppose legislation as bills work their way through committee.
Affordable Housing / Homelessness
Our district is facing a housing crisis that threatens the well-being and prosperity of countless individuals and families. The lack of affordable housing is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and bold solutions.
I am committed to addressing this crisis head-on and ensuring that every citizen has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing. I will champion state funding for affordable housing initiatives. I will also support the investment in the rehabilitation of our historic affordable housing stock to ensure its continued availability.
Homelessness is a complex and pressing issue that demands our urgent attention and a multifaceted approach. I will take a compassionate and comprehensive approach to ending housing insecurity. I will stand committed to addressing the root causes of homelessness.
By implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering collaboration, we can build a society where everyone has a stable place to call home.
Criminal Justice Reform
As a Black man in America I recognize our state is at a critical juncture, and it is time to reshape our criminal justice system to better reflect our values of fairness, equity, and rehabilitation.
I am dedicated to implementing evidence-based policies that enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, and foster a more just and compassionate society. We should not criminalize poverty; I will advocate for reforms that eliminate cash bail for low-risk, non-violent offenders.
I will champion investment in rehabilitative programs within correctional facilities, including education, vocational training, and mental health services. The prison system in our country is out of control; we must do more to invest in restorative justice/re-entry programs that focus on repairing harm caused by criminal behavior and reintegrating offenders into the community.
Re-entry support will be a priority for me. I will sponsor legislation that remove barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records. Advocating for funding programs that provide reentry support, including job training, education, and housing assistance is a priority to me. I support no exceptions for slavery/involuntary servitude in the Missouri Constitution.
Crime & Economic Development
My approach to reducing crime will be attack it at the root. I will support legislation that creates jobs here in our district. Supporting and enhancing trade training will be a focus of mine.
I have found success in reducing crime for youth aged 14- 24 years old with the company I founded called Gloves4Grades. I believe giving young people different activities to participate in will encourage them away from a life of crime but also keep them off the street from becoming victims.
You can look in the paper, turn on the nightly news, or simply look outside the front door; crime here in St. Louis is never far away. No one person can cure crime in our city. Whether it was attending Mckinley Heights, Old North, Lasalle Park, St. Louis Place or Downtown Neighborhood association I consistently hear the concerns on crime.
As a legislator this will be enhanced by bringing awareness/support for companies that are doing the work but also drafting bills that provide funding for companies that focus on reducing crime.
Marty Joe Murray, Jr 